Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto, who the team hoped would be in the lineup today against the Philadelphia Phillies, instead may not be with the big league team until Tuesday, if then, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

“That’s our hope, but don't bank on it,” head trainer Paul Lessard said, when asked over the weekend if Votto would be on the field today.

It will be Votto’s call, the newspaper reported, adding that he is ready physically but still trying to get comfortable at the plate. He went 1-for-3 Saturday in a rehab start for Class AAA Louisville, the one hit a long opposite-field home run.

He took Sunday off but was scheduled to play another rehab game in Louisville’s season finale this afternoon.

“He said he felt very good (Saturday),” Lessard told the Enquirer. “He’s moving well, pivoting. (GM) Walt (Jocketty) and (manager) Dusty (Baker) told him at the start to get at-bats to get comfortable at the plate as well as to see if he was physically ready. He missed six weeks.”

It’s up to Votto, Baker said, according to the newspaper: “We’ll wait and see if he thinks he’s ready. We’ve got a spot for him.”

Votto missed his 47th game Sunday. He had arthroscopic surgery July 17 to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He had another procedure Aug. 10 to remove a small piece of cartilage after reinjuring the knee in a sliding drill.

The Reds have surged without him, building a 9½-game lead in the NL Central and the best record (82-53) in the majors.

They plan to get Votto back sooner rather than later in a nine-game homestand.